Spirit of adventure: Chennai tipplers set sail to get bottles

CHENNAI: Desperate measures are called for in times of crisis. With all Tasmac liquor outlets in Greater Chennai Police limits closed, several residents, particularly from the city's northern parts, are travelling by sea to areas in Tiruvallur district and bringing back 'liquid gold'.
With the lockdown likely to be extended beyond May 31, many from places like Tondiarpet, Kasimedu and Thiruvottiyur are persuading fishermen to take them to places where liquor is available in catamarans, paying 1,000 to 2,000 per trip., The crackdown on people travelling by road seems to have opened up such routes, say police.
On several occasions, police have stopped bikes and cars coming through Ennore Thermal Power Station for checks to see if they are bringing back liquor. A few vehicles have been impounded, while others have been turned back to Chennai with a warning.
And, so, the sailing continues. While some of the purchases, made after hair-raising catamaran rides through choppy rides, are for personal use; a few buy in bulk for sale back in the city, said a police officer.
The exodus from the city has increased following reports that police in several areas of Tiruvallur district have stopped insisting on Aadhaar cards to buy liquor.
Also, the closure of liquor outlets in a few places in Tiruvallur district is forcing people to travel further away. At Pazhaverkadu (Pulicat), the lone Tasmac outlet has been closed as it is located close to a Covid-19 containment zone. Moreover, fishermen in Pazhaverkadu do not take lightly to people from kuppams (fishing villages) coming to their area, said the officer. So, those from Chennai are forced to travel by catamaran to villages like Thirupalaivanam and Medhur, further up the coast.
A majority of those travelling by sea from north Chennai take off from Kasimedu fishing harbour and to Ennore, stopping at places like Athipattu Pudur, Elavambedu, Vellivayal Chavadi and other areas.